The Region of Peel's Medical Officer of Health issues heat warnings and extended heat warnings upon notification from Environment Canada that heat thresholds have been met 1.

People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual's sensitivity to heat. Although an increase in the number of hot days is dangerous, it is the combination of heat during the daytime and nighttime that causes significant increases in heat-related morbidity and mortality. This is because there is no break from the heat which is important for allowing the body to cool off.

If you feel faint, have difficulty breathing or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, call your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

Please remember to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own, to make sure they are alright.

During Hot Weather Conditions

Stay cool in air conditioned spaces and drink lots of fluids, especially water. Groups at higher risk of heat-related illness include infants, young children, seniors, people with chronic and pre-existing illnesses, people on certain medications and those who are homeless or low-income earners. Please remember to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own, to make sure they are alright.